The Michigan House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee will be considering a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, February 19), that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in the state by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies. This would be a significant step forward for Michigan dog owners, as there are several localities that have considered or enacted breed-specific laws over the past several years.
Municipalities would still be permitted to enact other policies and regulations on dog owners, so long as these laws do not target specific breeds.
All who reside or participate in dog events in Michigan are encouraged to contact the committee and ask them to support House Bill 4035.
Talking Points:
The AKC supports House Bill 4035, which protects the rights of dog owners while still allowing communities to enact laws that hold all owners accountable. Visit the Breed-Specific/Dangerous Dog Laws page in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points on this issue.
What You Can Do:
All who reside or participate in dog events in Michigan are encouraged to contact the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee prior to the hearing on Wednesday, February 19, and ask them to support House Bill 4035.
Rep. James Lower, Chair
Phone: (517) 373-0834
Email: JamesLower@house.mi.gov
Rep. Steve Marino, Majority Vice Chair
Phone: 517-373-0113
Email: SteveMarino@house.mi.gov
Rep. Jim Ellison, Minority Vice Chair
Phone: (517) 373-3818
Email: JimEllison@house.mi.gov
Rep. Kathy Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Email: KathyCrawford@house.mi.gov
Rep. Julie Calley
Phone: (517) 373-0842
Email: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov
Rep. Gary Howell
Phone: 517-373-1800
Email: GaryHowell@house.mi.gov
Rep. Gary Eisen
Phone: (517) 373-1790
Email: GaryEisen@house.mi.gov
Rep. Greg Markkanen
Phone: (517) 373-0850
Email: GregMarkkanen@house.mi.gov
Rep. Brad Paquette
Phone: (517) 373-1796
Email: BradPaquette@house.mi.gov
Rep. Bill Sowerby
Phone: (517) 373-0159
Email: BillSowerby@house.mi.gov
Rep. Alex Garza
Phone: (517) 373-0852
Email: AlexGarza@house.mi.gov
Rep. Kara Hope
Phone: (517)-373-0587
Email: KaraHope@house.mi.gov
Rep. Padma Kuppa
Phone: (517) 373-1783
Email: PadmaKuppa@house.mi.gov
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this legislation and provide more information as it becomes available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.